Adult Crowns

Wear-and-tear can damage your teeth as you age. To restore and protect your vulnerable teeth from further injury, the board-certified dentists at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, in Woodbridge, Virginia, offer a broad range of adult crowns. A crown is a custom-made cap that provides a sturdy, protective barrier for your teeth. To learn more about adult crowns, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.

What are adult crowns?

Adult crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore eroded, damaged, or decayed teeth. These custom-made restorations also protect vulnerable teeth and block bacteria. 

An adult crown is also an effective tool for replacing missing teeth. Crowns can connect a dental bridge or affix to a dental implant, restoring your ability to chew and speak.

At Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, the team offers multiple material options for dental crowns, including stainless steel and zirconia. Depending on your dental history, tooth health, budget, and aesthetic goals, they can make an appropriate recommendation.  

What can adult crowns treat?

Crowns treat a wide range of dental concerns in adults. The team at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, may recommend an adult crown to treat:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth worn down by teeth grinding
• Short teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Teeth treated by root canal therapy
• Teeth with large fillings

Depending on your dental concerns, the team may place a single crown or multiple to restore your oral function and the appearance of your smile.

How are adult crowns placed?

Adult crowns typically take at least two visits to place. During the first appointment, the team examines your teeth and performs a cleaning. They also take low-radiation digital X-rays to assess your tooth-supporting structures and plan your treatment.

Next, the team files and reshapes your teeth to make room for your new crowns. They also take digital impressions of your teeth to create your custom-made crowns. The process takes about 2-3 weeks, so you’ll wear temporary crowns while you wait. 

Once your permanent restorations are ready, the team places your crowns. They may make minor adjustments before bonding the crowns in place.

How do I care for adult crowns?

Most crowns last for about 15 years, but you can extend their life with the right care. To protect your crowns, you should:

• Avoid chewy, sticky, or hard candies
• Brush and floss twice a day
• Schedule a teeth cleaning every six months
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Stop biting your nails

To learn more about adult crowns, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.